Often, they are treated as opposites, but mercy and truth are meant to be practiced together.
In fact, to remove one changes the other to something else.
Mercy without truth is not merciful.
It is a compromise that implies false affirmations and hope. False teachers’ words are empty and oppressive, though they boast of promise and freedom (2 Pet 2:18-19). It is no kindness to promise rain, food, care, and guidance while you lead people into spiritual drought, starvation, danger, and destruction.
"These are spots in your love feasts, while they feast with you without fear, serving only themselves. They are clouds without water, carried about by the winds; late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots; raging waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever" (Jude 12-13, Unless otherwise stated: Scripture is taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Used by permission. All rights reserved).
Truth without mercy is untrue.
It is a picture of a false righteousness that miscommunicates the fullness of God’s will. While He taught against practicing man-made doctrine, Jesus also vehemently opposed the heartless practice of faith.
"Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying:
‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth,
And honor Me with their lips,
But their heart is far from Me.
And in vain they worship Me,
Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men'" (Matt 15:7-9).
"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone" (Matt 23:23).
We are instructed to practice both of these traits together. Imagine a world where everyone practices the truth as compassionately as we are able.
"Let not mercy and truth forsake you;
Bind them around your neck
Write them on the tablet of your heart,
And so find favor and high esteem
In the sight of God and man" (Prov 3:3-4).
"Mercy and truth have met together;
Righteousness and peace have kissed" (Ps 85:10).
Living a life of mercy and truth takes maturity and wisdom. One principle Jesus expressed that can help in this endeavor is, “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets” (Matt 7:21).
I want to be given the truth in love (Eph 4:15). How about you?
-Van
